What kind of association do you have with the word “surrender”? What does it make you think of?

We are a group of imperfect people pursuing a perfect God. We exist to help each other find and follow Christ. These are some things we want to be true of our group:

We create a safe and honest environment, staying transparent and authentic.

We keep it inside the circle. Confidentiality is necessary for a healthy group.

We look together to the Bible for help and guidance, and keep out our own politics, sales, or agendas.

We do not try to fix each other, preach sermons, or give unsolicited advice. We instead encourage, listen to, and celebrate each other.

We handle conflict between us quickly and honestly by going to the person, owning our part, and practicing forgiveness.

We respect each others’ time by starting and ending when we say we will.

We trust that it is God’s role to change people, not ours.

We believe that in Jesus Christ, there is hope for everyone.

Mike started the series talking about being rooted in history. We are all part of a bigger story and are called to be the church, just like in Acts. Without us, the church is just a building. It’s not a church without us! We are called to be a movement in history, whether in our time, or in Jesus’s time.

This week we’re talking about getting rooted in surrender. The early church was bold and courageous, even though they knew their boldness would get them into trouble. They had faith that God had big plans and prayerfully continued to move forward.

CONNECT

The Acts 2 church did life together

What characteristics make you feel like church is home? What is most important to you in a church family?

APPLY

The Acts 2 church gathered daily, sold property, and relied on God...together

Acts 2:42-47

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The Acts 2 church was generous like we’ve never seen before. Have you ever been a part of a community like this or seen such generosity?

Why do you think we are so independent in the 21st century? How does that affect the church today?

Jesus gave the church His spirit to live within us

Acts 3:6 says, “Then Peter said [to the beggar], “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

When the church sold their belongings, God filled them with even greater gifts and none of them were ever needy. Tracie Edwards said in the video, "When you look at what’s everlasting, you look at life so much different.”

When you hear about the church selling/surrendering their belongings to follow Jesus, how do you feel about being that dependent on God?

Acts 4:3-4 says, “They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.”

Their individual sacrifice led to a huge multiplication of people who believed in Jesus. How do you feel about God allowing bad things to happen to his followers so more people would know who Jesus is?

Praying with Jesus

Andy Stanley said, “how a church prays indicates whether it has strayed.”

How we pray shows what’s in our hearts. How can the content of our prayers indicate what’s most valuable to us?

Jesus left us His spirit to live inside us, guide us, and empower us (John 16:5-7/Acts 2). Is God’s spirit guiding your prayers? How can you tell?

God calls us all to different ministries, but it all requires some sacrifice

The Acts 2 church was bold! Mike asked the question, when was the last time I’ve prayed for boldness?

How is God calling you to be bold in your current context?

READ. PRAY. DO.

Check in on how last week's READ / PRAY / DO went. What did everyone learn about themselves or God by reading, praying, or doing?

READ

Ephesians 3: Pay attention to verse 12 and consider what it means to have freedom to approach God.

Acts 4: In verses 29 and 30 we see the church praying for even more boldness through the Holy Spirit after being threatened with prison.

PRAY

Jesus, thank you for your goodness. You and only you are worthy of my praise! Help me in my moments of unbelief and teach me to surrender with faith. Please show me how to pray like your early church and give me a desire to be bold.

DO

Do you know a family in a tough spot right now? Take a moment to ask the family what you can do to be helpful.